“As Christians, our identity is to be found in our relationship with Christ, not in our subjective and often negative life experiences in our life.” – Jerry Bridges.

The issue of identity has become increasingly popular. From the moment we are born, we are constantly told who we are or who we should be. With so many opinions flying left and right towards us, many wonder what our identity is.

Society would make us believe that we must convince others that we have what it takes or that we are enough. When we think our worth is based on what we do, how we look, and who accepts us, we are stuck on a hamster wheel of constantly striving to prove our value. We measure ourselves by the expectations of others, compare ourselves to the ultra-successful, and try to please the impossible-to-please. The reality is that whether we are striving to be beautiful, smart, happy, a good parent or a good child, a good neighbor, etc., we will mostly fail. If we try to be a perfect Christian, we will fail. As Christians, our identity should be less about “who” we are and more about whose we are.

As believers, we have a shortcut to the million-dollar question. Who are we? We are a part of the family of God. We have an identity in Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes, “ Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

In this passage, Paul is referring to times in his life when he recognized his faults, blind spots, and weaknesses. But rather than looking at them as just another faux pas, Paul counts these times when he relied on the Lord’s strength and guidance. Freedom and acceptance are some of the most beautiful and comforting things that can be found in a relationship with Jesus. God knows that we will fail, and He loves us anyway. He does not ask us to meet a quota or look a certain way. Instead, He invites us to find our identity in Him.

 When we find our identity in Christ and in Christ alone, we are rid of any societal standards or expectations. We are loved by the greatest love the world has ever known and accepted by the only One who will care for us despite our flaws and failures. Your identity in Christ is rich, deep, unique, and solidly rooted in God, not your behavior.

 Discussion Questions:

1. Where do you find yourself seeking identity outside of Christ? Do you find yourself holding tightly to something, fearing you’ll be lost without it?

“Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.” – Ecclesiastes 11:5.

Ecclesiastes 11:5 is a great verse. It’s a sobering, humbling reminder that there are so many mysterious things in the world that we don’t understand. It reminds us how limited our understanding of the world is and that we are unable to truly understand the magnificence and greatness of God’s power.

Jesus in John 3:8 says, “The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” And just like we are unable to comprehend the path of the wind, we are also incapable of genuinely understanding the mystery of a baby in a mother’s womb.

Do you understand the Trinity? Relating to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is easier to experience than explain. A child can believe in, interact with, and trust the triune God, but the combined power of the greatest theological minds of the past two millennia has not been able to explain triune mechanics. We know it works, but we don’t know how.

It should not be surprising because we are dealing with God, whose intelligence, power, and complexity so far exceed our comprehension that we have no metaphor or superlative that can even remotely do Him justice. Romans 11:33-34 says, “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice?”

Given that, we should expect some conundrums, curveballs, and perplexing situations without clear answers or understanding. But during those times, we need to remember that while God is always at work, we will never know all the details of what He is doing. Acts 1:7 says, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.” Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

God is above all things, and intuitively, we know His thoughts are always higher than ours. We will never know all the details. That is why faith is needed. The takeaway of Ecclesiastes 11:5 is to remember and realize that you don’t know and will never be able to understand everything, but you can trust in the God who knows all things and is always working all things together for the good of those who love Him.

The Bible reveals some things we find extraordinarily hard to understand—things that perplex, confound, and confuse us. When we encounter conundrums that show us the limits of our intellectual capacities, we need to remember that God loves us and wants only the best for us.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some situations in your life where you feel most uncertain or lack complete understanding?
2. How does acknowledging that you don’t know everything impact your approach to your spiritual walk?
3. How can we use our “not knowing” as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God?

“As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.” – Matthew 1:20-24.

When you become a Christian, the natural inclination is to do something extraordinary. You want to further the kingdom by doing giant, complicated things that change the world. There is nothing wrong with wanting to make a real difference in our city, state, country, or world. But we must remember that we can also further His kingdom in the ordinary day-to-day moments of life. It means focusing on and obeying God, loving people, and leaving the size of the outcome to God.

But do the small things that I’m doing matter? Is it a suitable return on my investment in time and resources? The Bible partly gives us the answer in Zechariah 4:10, which says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…”  There are many people in the Bible that exemplify this idea. One of them is Joseph.

Joseph is the epitome of someone who obeyed God. He was willing to do the hard but right thing—without hesitation or fanfare.  Joseph trusted and obeyed when God redirected him. We know how Joseph didn’t want to disgrace Mary publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. But then an angel of the Lord came to Him in a dream and told Joseph not to fear taking Mary as his wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.

Joseph obeyed. He took what he knew of God’s Law and was willing to put feet to it. The problem was he didn’t have all the pieces of the puzzle.  An angel told them in a dream to flee to Egypt. Joseph left his community, work, and comfort to obey God. There is no proof that Joseph knew the long-term results of his obedience. His Son would do miracles, preach the gospel, die for the sins of His people, be buried, and rise again. He would save the world. He would do what no man could do. He would bring life where life was impossible.

All Joseph knew was what God had said and what he needed to do to obey. And he did it.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Joseph’s story encourage you to cooperate with God even when He wants you to do something difficult? How does Joseph’s story inspire you that God knows what He’s doing even if you don’t understand?

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”  – Psalm 90:12 (ESV).

We all want to do what the Bible tells us to do. Scripture tells us to “number” or “count” our days. If you are 50 years old, you have been alive for 18,250 days. If you have been married for 18 years, you have been wed for 6,570 days. And if you have been in school year-round for 10 years, you have entered the school building 3,650 times. But if you look at moments (for the sake of reference, a moment is 90 seconds), you have 960 moments in the day or 350,400 moments in a year, or if you are 50, you have experienced 17,520,000 moments in your life. That is a whole lot of moments to make count.

The reality is that life is short, and time is running out, which is why we want to make every day count. Joesph is an example of making every day count. We don’t hear a single word from him, and he only shows up in 16 verses in the New Testament, yet we can learn from him. Joseph is a man of faith who listens to God’s messages and then obeys God’s commands, trusting in God’s promises. He was not passive but focused and intentional in his actions. The example of Joseph’s life also reminds us to trust God even when things don’t make sense, and we can learn from him.

To take advantage of every moment, we need to have our day sponsored by God. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” God made the day, and He made every moment. When you think about it, this is the only time God has given us.  He has not given you tomorrow. He hasn’t even given you this evening. He’s given you this moment. So, make this moment count for God.

In Job chapter 7, verse 6, we read how some people describe their day. “My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle. They end without hope” (Job 7:6). We all have days like that, but rather consider what the day could mean if you make each moment count: accomplish something today. We have a loving father. He wants us to make something of today.  We can make more moments count when we get busy with God’s business, whether you’re accomplishing something for yourself or somebody else.   

Put the life of Jesus into your days. He is your life. So, put God’s life into your day. We don’t choose how our face looks but can control our expression. We don’t always control the circumstances, but we do control ourselves and how we handle those circumstances.

Every second is a precious gift from God, and we should not waste it by letting days slip by without intentionality. To truly “make every moment count,” we must be present in the here and now. This means actively engaging with our experiences, whether it’s a conversation with a loved one, a beautiful sunset, or a simple task. When we understand that every moment matters, we are naturally driven to live with purpose. This means aligning our actions with God’s will, seeking to use our time to serve others, and working for the kingdom of God.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to you to make every moment count? 
2. What areas of your life could benefit from a more intentional approach, where you could “make every moment count?”

“We do not know the destination. We have no map of what lies beyond the curtain…We do not know the limits of the possibilities for our personal lives or the life of the world. We do not know, and cannot know, all that God has prepared for those who love him. It is beyond the highest power of our imagination. We do not know the destination, but we do know the way. That is the heart of the matter.” – Lesslie Newbigin.

Many people live the seasons of their lives thinking that things will be better the next season and that joy is just around the corner. They think, “Once I get through this, then I’ll have time for … ” or “When the kids are through this stage, then we can really … “And “if only I were (fill in the blank — thinner, more creative, more outgoing, healthy …) then …”

The bottom line is we often live for the future and not make the most of the present, and we look for that time when all the circumstances fall into place and life is enjoyable. Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Life is a journey, not a destination.” We know that to be true, but we become so obsessed with the destination. And so it is, and we must learn not to become so obsessed with the destination that we fail to enjoy and embrace the journey.

 In this world, we will never arrive at a place where everything is perfect, and we have no more challenges. As admirable as setting goals and reaching them may be, you can’t get so focused on accomplishing the goals that you make the mistake of not enjoying where you are right now.

It’s a good thing to remember that life is a journey – the good bits and the bad bits. We can learn from every single experience if we seek God’s presence. It is not always easy, but it is a worthwhile thing to do. We need to remember what Jesus said, as recorded in John 10:10, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”  While the Bible helps us understand how to process our past and inspires us with hope for our future, its emphasis is clear on our “today.” The reality is that we have no other time but now promised and given to us. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow has not yet arrived. And growth opportunities, learning, serving, giving, and loving others always happen in the now. Opportunities always occur in the present moment.

In the New Testament, when Jesus said, “Follow me,” he set Peter on a journey. Peter didn’t immediately become the bold evangelist we see later in Acts. Through the journey, Peter developed into the man Jesus called him to be. Yes, the destination is important, and we need to have goals and identify where we’re called, but then we need to allow God to set the timeline and take us through His journey. It’s the journey, after all, that prepares us for the destination.

Just as a winding road reveals stunning landscapes, our life’s journey can unveil unexpected beauty and valuable lessons if we are present and open to what each moment holds. It’s about embracing the journey God has called you to for the time He has called you to do it in the circumstances He has placed you in.

Where are you today? Are you allowing God to take you through the journey?

 Discussion Questions:

1. The Christian journey is a spiritual adventure marked by growth, faith, and transformation. It’s a process that takes us closer to God, shapes our character, and allows us to reflect Christ’s love in everything we do. Agree or disagree and why?
2. What can we do this week to live in the present?

“It’s one thing to be grateful. It’s another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanksgiving is what you do” – Tim Keller

What emotions do you feel as you mull over the holiday season? Peace, joy, and thankfulness? Or do the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons equate to exhausting travel, hectic schedules, and wondering where to hide the Elf on a Shelf?  It starts with Thanksgiving, where people prepare the Thanksgiving feast in the hope that everything will turn out well and that there will be enough food for everybody. As a result, we can forget that it is a time to give thanks; to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness to God.

Thanksgiving recognizes a debt that cannot be paid. When it is filled with true meaning and is not just the formality of a polite “thank you,” it recognizes dependence. Expressing gratitude and thanks to God has a miraculous way of opening and changing our hearts.

When we give thanks, we remember God’s gifts to us, which in turn reminds us of God’s gracious nature. We think not just of what God has done but also of who God is. Thus, giving thanks is a beginning, not an end in itself. In the language of Psalm 100, we enter God’s gates with thanksgiving so that we might go into His courts with praise.

Thanksgiving is a season of being grateful. Thanksgiving reminds us of all the things to be grateful for. One reason that we fail to thank God now for what we have is that we want more – we want the next step. We fool ourselves into thinking that when we get more or when we get to the next step, then we will stop to thank Him. But that suggests we should not be grateful for what God is doing in our lives as part of His plan for each of us. And that means being thankful even when we are facing setbacks.

We should be thankful because God is worthy of our thanksgiving. It is only fitting to credit Him because “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father,”  (James 1:17). Expressing thankfulness helps us remember that God is in control. Thankfulness, then, is not only appropriate; it is healthy and beneficial to us. It reminds us of the bigger picture, that we belong to God and that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing. “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

As we gather around the table this year, gobbling up turkey and a slice of pumpkin pie, let’s be intentional about giving thanks. We all have a lot to be thankful for this time of year. But not only should we give thanks during the holidays, but we should also give thanks to God every day of the year.

Discussion Questions:

1. How is it possible to give thanks even in hard times?
2. Does thanking God lead to praising God in your life?
3. For what are you most grateful today?

“Encourage those who are afraid. Tell them, “Be strong, fear not, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”- Isiah 35:4 (TLB).

Have you ever taken a stroll through a wooded area where the paths twist and turn, often with a sense of mystery and exploration as you navigate the changing scenery of the trees and foliage? The sunlight filters through the tree canopy, the air fills with the earthy scent of the forest, the birds chirp, and you get occasional glimpses of wildlife as you walk along. And through it all, you wonder what is beyond the next bend. When you reach the next bend, you decide to take the new path, not knowing what is ahead but trusting it will be another opportunity to appreciate the peaceful surroundings further and soak in the atmosphere.

But that is often not how we approach life. We are so caught up with what we can’t see we’ll miss what we can. Plus, once we get to that bend, we want to know what is beyond the next one. When we get caught up in this cycle, we fear what could be bad and miss what could be good.

Joshua understood fear. When the book of Joshua opens, he’d just assumed authority for several million former slaves — the Israelites — headed for an enemy-filled land. The people were uneasy, and the challenges looked immense. Moses, the trusted former leader, was dead. You could imagine Joshua must have had concerns, if not outright fears, about what was around the next bend.

But God’s plan wasn’t for Joshua to ignore his fear or pretend it didn’t exist; instead, it was for Joshua to press past the fear and lay hold of faith. In Joshua 1:9 (TLB) God says, “Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8 details the importance of meditating on the Word of God: “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:5 talks about remembering the faithfulness of God in the past. “No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.”

Billy Graham received a question on fear: “Can God help me overcome my fears? I know I shouldn’t be this way, but I’m always worrying about what might happen to me or my children, and things like that. Sometimes it’s all I can think about. I even have nightmares about bad things that might happen to us.” His answer was: “Yes, God wants to help you overcome these fears. He loves you, and He doesn’t want you to be haunted by constant fear and anxiety. The Bible says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).

We don’t know what lies beyond the bend tomorrow, next week, month, or year. But what is happening today or tomorrow is in the hands of God. We need to keep walking with Him, no matter how good, bad, or ugly the trail we are on looks. For God knows what’s around the bend, and that makes all the difference.  Psalm 27:1 (CEV) says, “You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you fear what lies beyond the next bend? Does that fear affect the way you live? 
2. How would a renewed trust in God help you overcome those fears? 

“Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” – Luke 6:31.

It is not uncommon for a relative or family member to have a distaste for Christianity. You mention your faith, and your family changes the subject immediately. You credit God for doing something good in your life, and there’s an awkward silence. Some act annoyed or even offended when you invite them to a church service or a Bible study. The hard truth is that somebody needs to share the gospel with them, and family members can often be in the best position to do so. But yes, it can be intimidating because our families know our past, faults, and struggles. They know “what we’re really like.” While it may seem awkward, there are ways to talk about Christ with those we love that are possible and practical.

One thing to consider when sharing your faith with relatives is the golden rule. In other words, when talking with your family members about spiritual issues and the gospel, treat them the way you want to be treated. Don’t be confrontational or engage them in a group setting. Rather, have any spiritual conversation one-on-one. Ask the Lord to show you if there is anything that you need to address with your family members prior to sharing the gospel or talking about spiritual issues. Maybe it is an argument you had with the person or some unresolved issue that has built a wall between you.

Don’t be the person who goes on and on about a subject without listening to what others say, even when talking about spiritual issues. Too often, we don’t listen to the other person because we are too focused on formulating what we will say.

It is also important to let them know your true motive. The last thing we want to do is come across as pushy or preachy, self-righteous or that they are morally lacking. We want to be humble, helpful, and respectful. In other words, we want them to know your motive is that you want to share with them the most important aspect of your life, your relationship with the Lord.

From a practical standpoint, we need to be prepared for the long haul when sharing the gospel with family members. Sometimes, we think evangelical success means sharing the gospel and sealing the deal in one step. That may not happen. Remember, sharing Christ with relatives is more often a marathon than a sprint. Focus on moving them at least one step closer to Christ with each encounter.

If we don’t succeed after several tries, we may be tempted to consider a relative a “lost cause.” But don’t give up. Continue to pray for individuals because you never know God’s timetable and your role in that timetable.

Our responses matter, but only Jesus saves people. Mark 4 talks about planting seeds. We know how to plant seeds. But we do not understand how the plants grow. We do not tell the plants what they must do. But each plant grows by itself. And it continues to grow until the new seeds are ready. It is God who causes the seeds to grow. So we may sow the seeds. But God did the most important work. The seed is like God’s message. People must tell God’s message to other people. But only God can save someone. Only God can change a person’s life. These things are God’s work.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can you listen actively and understand your family member’s perspectives before sharing your faith? 
2. How do you avoid being judgmental or condescending when discussing your faith with your family? 
3. How can you use shared experiences or life situations as a springboard to discuss spiritual matters with family? 

“And if we ask how are we to know where our hearts are, the answer is just as simple – everything which hinders us from loving God above all things and acts as a barrier between ourselves and our obedience to Jesus is our treasure, and the place where our heart is.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship.

One of the things we must choose in life is what we will treasure most. No matter how much or little we have, we have a treasure. Something or someone will be more important than anything or anyone else in our lives. Whatever that one thing or one person is – that is your treasure. For believers, our treasure is Jesus.

When we hear the phrase “treasure Jesus,” our minds begin listing everything we need to do to make our hearts treasure Him because “treasure” implies action. Or maybe you hear the phrase “treasure Jesus” and wonder what that even feels like or how you get back to treasuring Him above all else.

To treasure means to “hold or to keep as precious.”  The point is, do we regard Christ as precious? Is He our cornerstone, our all in all? God chose Jesus as the cornerstone to be the foundation of all things. He is the only One who we can trust in. He is the only One we can lean on. As Christians, we have experienced Christ in a way that inspires us to be transformed. We have seen Him in all His beauty. We have fully realized the depths of His mercy and how much He loves us. But do we see Him as precious in a way that reinvigorates our faith and seeks to glorify Him in all we do?

That sounds like we are treading in deep theological waters. But the challenge does not have to be complicated. Find the time to be with Jesus. Refresh your heart and mind to see how precious He is. Whether in prayer, worship, the Word, finding quiet time, or some other way, find time to treasure Him as He treasures you.  If you think about it, our whole life responds to God’s pursuit of us. God is the initiator, and He only really ever asks us to respond to Him. He pursues, and His people respond. God’s people have been responding to Him for hundreds of years, and our goal is to respond to Him by treasuring Him.   

One of the ways to treasure Him is to be a witness to others. Perhaps one of the greatest ways to witness is through treasuring Jesus by reflecting His love. After all, “God is love” (1 John 4:8), so when we show love to others, we show them God.  Jesus taught His disciples, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35).  Displaying genuine love for others makes you an effective witness and that you treasure God.

John Piper said, “Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolish to us—a crucified God—must become our wisdom, power, and only boast in this world.”

Discussion Questions:

1. I want Christ to be the treasure of my life. Is that enough?
2. How is what you treasure reveal about what your heart is pursuing? 
3. What are some practical ways to treasure God?

“Yet Jerusalem says, “The LORD has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands…” – Isaiah 49:14-16.    

Scripture outlines the amazing things God promises to do for us. God promises to be abundant in loving kindness, to keep us from harm, and to never stop loving us.

But if that’s true, what about those times when everything is going wrong, when everything is moving from bad to worse, and when we can’t see anything good coming to us? At times like that, it’s easy to think God has forgotten us. So what’s going on at those times?  Has God forgotten us?  And if He has not forgotten us – then what is He doing?

Most of the book of Isaiah was written to address a crisis. Israel and Judah believed that God was the creator of the universe and had chosen them for an eternal covenant. But Assyria destroyed and exiled Israel, Babylon destroyed and exiled Judah, and Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the walls of Jerusalem and the Temple.  It might seem like God had abandoned Israel. This is why we read in Isaiah 49:14:” Yet Jerusalem says, “The LORD has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.” You can understand why they felt that way. They were supposed to be God’s people. “For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure” (Deuteronomy 7:6). Yet it did look like God had turned His back on them. They are probably thinking something like, “It all sounds good, but look at the realities of my life. All of God’s promises seem abstract and remote because my life is not going that well.”

We probably feel the same way at times. We are struggling with unemployment or health issues or a wayward child, while our neighbors have work, health, and responsible children. We think that God is remembering those people while He has forgotten about us.  But that’s not the case. He is remembering them, but He is also remembering you.  He is here, focused on you with compassion, love, and care.

And today, if you’re wondering where God is, remind yourself of this simple truth: God has not forgotten you. He will not forget. You will never be out of His sight or His mind. Let’s not be like Israel and look at the trouble, but let’s look up at the One who sits on the throne, the one who loves us and wants the best for us.

 Discussion Questions:

1. How do you react in these moments when God seems distant?
2. How can we be reminded that God will never forget us?